Hello! My name is Chmira Dayvon Gilliam, and dance is my passion. I have been blessed to be able to spend much of my time in the dance studio each week learning and progressing towards the dancer I dream to be. I believe it is a gift that God has given me, and I plan to continue and steward it well. Even though I did not have the opportunity to grow up in a dance studio or have any formal dance training when I was younger, that hasn’t stopped me from pursuing my dream. From dancing on two church dance teams and creating choreography for school events at my university, to now being signed to a talent agency (FreshTalent Group), teaching five different classes a week at three different studios, and having the opportunity to dance and be in the studio every single day; dance has proven itself to be a promising career choice and the avenue in which God has paved for me.

I have been in search of a program that would closely resemble the life of growing up in the studio as well as giving me the technique and dance knowledge I felt like I was missing. Because of that missing education, I have struggled with feelings of inadequacy within dance so much, but I translate that into my yearn for knowledge. I always want to learn, I always want to grow and try new things even if it is hard and even if I completely bomb, I still combat those thoughts/feelings with positive counteraction. After careful consideration, prayer, and testimonies from others within the program I knew that I needed to apply to CLI’s Conservatory program. The moment the notification declaring their final decision came across my phone I froze. I opened my email, eyes closed, bracing myself for ‘unfortunately’, ‘thank you for your interest, however’, or ‘better luck next time’ but instead I opened my eyes to see the subject line saying, ‘Letter of acceptance’. WOW. I stopped everything I was doing and took a deep breath; in that moment it really felt like the whole world stood still. To a certain degree I didn’t think I had what it took to even make it in the door, so to receive that news, it really blew me away.

In this 10-month program, located in Southampton, MA, dancers spend all day, five days a week, learning from some of the greatest dance teachers/trainers this country has to offer, covering all major styles of dance. It is intense, it is hard work, and it has proven itself to be such an amazing place to be stretched. It is exactly what I have been searching for, and I know in my heart this is what God has for me and nothing is going to stop me from getting there. This is why I need your help. The tuition of the program is $25,000, and while they provide housing, rent is not included in the tuition costs, and we will be responsible for that expense as well as day to day living expenses.

This training is not just for my personal gain; I teach several classes here in Nashville and I love my students dearly and want the best for them. I want to lead them well in shaping their dance future, and to do that I have to get the adequate training I am missing; my goal is to come back with new skill sets, ideas, and curriculum to teach/guide my students through the foundations of dance. In helping me, you are also helping every student that I will ever come across.

Thank you so much for your contributions! I promise, no donation is too small. God Bless.

For more information on the program and what all I will be doing visit: https://www.clistudios.com/cli-dance-conservatory/

Tuition - $25,000

Housing - $7,500